Former Thai cabinet minister faces jail for defying military junta

Chaturon Chaisang, who was education minister in the government ousted by the military, gestures after receiving roses from supporters as he arrives at a military court in Bangkok on Monday, Aug 4, 2014. Chaturon Chaisang could face up to 14 years in jail after being slapped with charges including defying a summons by the Thai junta shortly after it seized power, his lawyer said on Monday. -- PHOTO: AFP

BANGKOK (AFP) - A former cabinet minister could face up to 14 years in jail after being slapped with charges including defying a summons by the Thai junta shortly after it seized power, his lawyer said Monday.

Chaturon Chaisang, who was education minister in the ousted government, was arrested by soldiers in front of a packed press conference on May 27, just five days after the army seized power and scooped up hundreds of potential dissidents. He was released shortly after but now faces a military court over three charges.

"If found guilty Chaturon faces seven years in jail for inciting unrest, five years for violating computer laws and two years for ignoring the summons," his lawyer Narinpong Jinapak told AFP.

The ex-politician was granted bail after his hearing but will return for trial at an unspecified date. Chaturon joins leading anti-coup activist Sombat Boonngamanon in the dock.